PSA filing opens August 1st

Filing a Private School Affidavit (PSA)

In California, families who want to homeschool independently without the support of an established charter or private school can file a Private School Affidavit (PSA). Many families choose this option because it maximize their the freedom to create their own schedule, choose their own materials, and teach in a way that works best for their child. The PSA form tells the state that your home is now a small private school and that you’re taking full responsibility for your child’s education. The California Department of Education opens the PSA filing system each year starting August 1. The CDE asks that PSAs be completed by October 15th. To file, just go to the CDE website after August 1 and fill out the online form. Be sure to save or print your confirmation once it’s done.

Note: While the PSA filing system opens on August 1, the filing process stays open through June 30 of the following year. You’ll often see that the official filing window is October 1–15, however, if you're starting homeschool earlier or mid-year, it’s perfectly fine to file before or after that window. For more information on private homeschooling and California law, visit HSDLA.org.